| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Paul Ellaby |
Posted - 27/11/2006 : 08:42:38
A superb performance from the Cougars saw them keep a clean sheet and knock in 8 goals as they overcame Irlam A, a team they had not previously beaten.
Every player played their part in the match, but Tom Cox's hat trick and all round pace and vision deserve special mention. It is always good for the confidence to get a goal or two in front, and Tom's ability to turn his marker and his unerring eye for goal gave the Cougars such a cushion inside 10 minutes. Tom completed his hat trick later in the game and also set up the goal of the game as his right wing run and cross was met on the volley by Callum Francis- outstanding football.
The game was not such one way traffic as the scoreline might suggest, and given recent frailties at the back it was important to shut Irlam out and deprive them of a confidence boosting goal. Stung by the early concession of goals they pressed forward but Daniel Ellaby's tackling in midfield kept them largely at bay and on the few occasions they broke through Shae Proudlove and Charlie Sands stood firm at the back. Shae took on board last week's training and demonstrated a sureness of touch and composure at the back and impressed in the second period as on two occasions he broke up Irlam attacks and took the ball the length of the pitch to set up Cougars attacks.
Kareem Germaine scored the fourth goal shortly after coming on as he tapped in a David Hanley Cross, but it was in the third period that the Cougars really turned on the style. Daniel Ellaby started to move further upfield and tormented the Irlam defence with some mazy runs which deserved goals. Instead the goals came as he got on the end of loose balls in the box: one helped over the line by Callum Francis; the second needing no help at all.
Tom Morgan played the final third in goal and pulled off two excellent saves as well as setting Robert Gill free down the right with intelligent distribution.
Callum's volley was the icing on the cake- a moment savoured by all of the spectators and the referee!
Well done the Cougars- now let's keep it going- a win next week (Irlam away meet 10.30 for an 11 kick off), could see us in the top half of the table.
Man of the match: among many worthy candidates, Shae Proudlove took the vote for a composed display at the back and an ability to use the ball sensibly from defence. |
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